Padre Pio Shrine in Batangas declared international shrine

The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, has been formally declared an international shrine. This designation follows a Vatican decree issued by the Dicastery for Evangelization on May 25, 2026, and was officially commemorated on September 23, the feast day of St. Padre Pio.

This marks only the second church in the Philippines to receive international status, following the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City. The elevation formalizes a spiritual connection between the Batangas site and the Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.

Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa noted that the international status brings a greater responsibility to serve the sick, the poor, and the marginalized. The 12-hectare sanctuary, which grew from a small chapel in 2003, serves as a major pilgrimage site for Catholics across Asia and provides various free charity services, including medical and legal assistance.